Lagos, Abuja airports get full NCAA certification

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has fully certified Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The aviation regulators made this known through a statement posted on its verified X handle on Friday.

During the presentation of the certificate in Abuja, the PUNCH gathered that the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed that the country’s aerodromes certificates have not been active since 2020.

Kuku said therefore, achieving this recertification is not just remarkable; but a vital step in enhancing the aviation infrastructure, which has long been overdue.
She added that the development is an indication of the sector’s drive for safety and an efficient air travel experience for all.

“The recertification process is not merely a formality; it is anchored in the principles established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

“As you may be aware, the ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14, which pertains to aerodromes, provide the framework for ensuring that our airports are safe, efficient, and capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.
“This process involves rigorous assessments of our facilities, including runway conditions and airfield lighting systems, to ensure compliance with these global standards.

“Specifically, I would like to highlight the ongoing assessments and improvements regarding the two primary runways in Lagos 18R. The runways are crucial for our operations, and their conditions directly influence the efficiency and safety of air traffic.

“We are also focusing our attention on the taxiways A, B, and C, which are vital connectors that facilitate the smooth movement of aircraft on the ground. In Abuja, the primary runway also requires our continued commitment to ensure it continues to meet ICAO standards. Our goal is to enhance these facilities further to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers,” she said.
While saying there is still more to be done, Kuku said some of the country’s runways and airfield lighting systems require further attention to meet the ICAO standards fully.

“We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on, and I assure you that we will allocate the necessary resources to expedite these improvements.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, for their unwavering support throughout this process.”

In his remarks, during the presentation of the certificate, Acting Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, said in March 2001, the ICAO Council adopted a new standard that required certification of aerodromes used for international operations.
He noted that the standard became applicable on November 27, 2003, adding that Nigeria initially complied with this provision by certifying two international airports in 2017.

“At the expiration of NAIA & MMIA aerodrome certificates, a six-month extension was granted to FAAN to operate the aerodromes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which we all remember had devastating effects on the aviation sector.

“However, the extension was granted on the condition that FAAN resolve all outstanding certification CAP items and complete the re-certification process within the extension period. To be detailed, there were 136 items for MMIA and 29 items for NAIA, so this was no mean feat.

“Since then, NCAA and FAAN got down to the hard work of ensuring closure of the critical certification findings as required by the Regulations.

“I have deliberately taken us down this memory lane in order to have a proper perspective of what is being celebrated here today,” Najomo explained.